Drawing & Painting - A Structured Introduction

Drawing & Painting - A Structured Introduction


Who is this course for?
Beginners and those with some previous experience who would like to learn the basics of drawing and develop their skills.

What previous knowledge/experience are required?
Some experience of drawing will obviously be useful but beginners are welcome and will be taught the basics from scratch. More experienced students will be able to work at their own level.

What is the level of the course?
The course covers all levels. You will be assessed at the start of the course and, depending on previous experience, be given projects at an appropriate level.

What will the course cover and what can I expect to do by the end of it?
This course offers a comprehensive approach to the fundamentals of drawing and painting from observation. The first term starts with the basic ideas and skills that inform the activity of drawing and painting. Learning outcomes (you will be able to):

• Use basic drawing materials such as charcoal, pencils, graphite or conte, to record subject matter consisting of simple forms and shapes from observation.
• Use basic colour media/materials such as acrylic, pastels, coloured pencils or coloured paper collage, to represent observed colour when working from simple arrangements of colour.
• Use judgement to record simple forms, shapes and tones from observation such as estimating proportion, recognising positive and negative shapes.
• Use a range of drawing materials selectively, in order to record specific qualities of subject matter such as using charcoal and chalk or black and white conte, to record subjects where there are strong contrasts of light and shade.
• Use colour materials and media selectively, to record particular qualities of colour in subject matter such as using coloured collage materials to represent a parade or party with flags or bunting. - Use judgement to interpret observed relationships of form, shape and tone such as contrasting tonal values.
• Use a range of drawing and painting materials selectively and experimentally in order to record and express specific qualities of subject matter such as using rubbings from a varied range of surfaces to represent subjects where there are strong contrasts of surface and texture.
• Use materials and media selectively and appropriately, to record subject matter as visual information such as using coloured pencils and a sketchbook to make rapid colour notes of an event or journey.
• Use judgement to analyse existing relationships of form, shape and tone to extend the visual potential of the subject matter such as, using a neutralised colour range to further communicate the natural pathos of a scene.

What teaching and learning methods will be used on the course?
Each student has own working space and easel. Practical work with one to one support : set tasks, demonstrations, discussions with illustrations and photographic references, and occasionally working from models.

How will we assess your progress on the course?
One to one support from tutor; weekly group discussion and critique.

What type of qualification will passing this course give me?
Working Men's College Certificate of Achievement

What extra study/practice do we expect you to do outside the class?
Carry sketchbook, draw, visit exhibitions.

What can I do after completing this course?
On completing the course, students may wish to progress onto the next term's course or in purely Life Drawing terms the Large Scale Life course is offered at Level 3. Alternatively Drawing and Painting skills would allow you to progress to the Access to Art and Design course.

Are there any other costs? (e.g. materials, equipment or books I need to buy before or during the course)
Many materials are provided, however as you progress it is always a good idea to put together your own set of materials and equipment that suits your needs.